Detective Robert Ballance worked for the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for six years — 13 total years in law enforcement — before being forced to retire. His story is one that nearly brought Sheriff Jimmy Thornton to tears as he talked about the sacrifice that law enforcement officers make every day and how it could all quickly, and unmercifully, come to an end.

Thornton gave a heartfelt farewell to Ballance, whose career with the Sheriff’s Office began December 2012 and extended through October 2018. Ballance was honored for his service to Sampson County during a recent Sampson County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Ballance and Detective Matthew Thornton were on their way to a homicide conference on the coast on Oct. 31, 2017, when a vehicle pulled out in front of the vehicle that Ballance was driving. To avoid the collision, Ballance slammed on the brakes and his vehicle careened underneath a parked tractor-trailer.

“His career was ended as a result of that,” the sheriff said

Ballance said he has already had two extensive surgeries on his leg and is scheduled for a third.

“This is a man who had 13 and a half years in law enforcement,” Thornton said of Ballance, whom he called by his last name. “That accident ended his law enforcement career. He would still be working today if it had not been for that accident. Thank goodness Detective Thornton did not suffer the types of injuries that Ballance did, but it’s heartbreaking to know that individuals who are dedicated and do their job in law enforcement … that in one blink of an eye something can happen that totally ends their career.”

Most people don’t realize just how fleeting a law enforcement career becomes when an accident like that happens, the sheriff noted.

“He can’t just come back to work; he’s just not fit,” said Thornton. “No medical doctor would ever allow him to come back and pursue the opportunity to finish his career.”

An emotional Thornton turned to Ballance and presented him with his service weapon.

“Ballance, we certainly miss you. Here’s your weapon,” the sheriff said. “It’s not a lot, but folks, he was an excellent detective and I’m certainly fortunate to have a good group of detectives. He loved it and if not for this injury, he would still be there.”

“That’s right,” Ballance replied.

Thornton called for those in attendance to recognize the outgoing detective, which they did with a standing ovation.

Also at the recent meeting, Sampson County Public Works employee Jeffrey Culbreth, who worked for the department from March 2000 to October 2018, was honored for his service. Both Culbreth and Ballance were presented with plaques by Board of Commissioners Vice-chair Sue Lee.

Commissioner Harry Parker lauded Culbreth for his work and dedication to Sampson County and wished him well in retirement.

Sheriff Jimmy Thornton presents Robert Ballance with his service weapon. Ballance, a detective with the Sheriff’s Office, was forced to retire due to an injury.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_employee1.jpgSheriff Jimmy Thornton presents Robert Ballance with his service weapon. Ballance, a detective with the Sheriff’s Office, was forced to retire due to an injury. Chris Berendt|Sampson Independent

Board of Commissioners Vice-chair Sue Lee presents longtime Public Works director Jeffrey Culbreth with a plaque in recognition of his 18 and a half years of service.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_employee3.jpgBoard of Commissioners Vice-chair Sue Lee presents longtime Public Works director Jeffrey Culbreth with a plaque in recognition of his 18 and a half years of service. Chris Berendt|Sampson Independent

Board of Commissioners Vice-chair Sue Lee presents Robert Ballance with a plaque recognizing his service to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_employee2.jpgBoard of Commissioners Vice-chair Sue Lee presents Robert Ballance with a plaque recognizing his service to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. Chris Berendt|Sampson Independent
Ballance, Culbreth honored for service to county

By Chris Berendt

[email protected]

Managing Editor Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 2587.